HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey visited several locations in Huntsville on August 16 as part of her “Listen, Learn, Help & Lead” Tour. The governor spoke with community and business leaders, learning about the Rocket City’s successes and challenges and discussing how she can contribute to our future.

The Governor’s first stop of the morning was at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, located in Cummings Research Park. Governor Ivey toured the facility for a primer on groundbreaking genomic research and education being done there to fight diseases, including cancer. She then traveled to Redstone Arsenal to cut the ribbon on the recently relocated Gate 9. While making her remarks, the Governor presented a check in the amount of $1.3 million to help defray the cost of the $12.9 million project. Remarks took place during a beautiful reception at Rocket City Tavern, and the group then moved to the actual Gate 9 for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey cuts the ribbon on the new Redstone Arsenal Gate 9. She is joined by community leaders, project partners and stakeholders. At the ribbon, from left to right are Jim Wilson, Sen. Arthur Orr, Gov. Kay, Lt. Gen. Edward Daly and Bob Ludwig.(Photo: Claire Aiello/Huntsville Chamber of Commerce)

Governor Ivey also visited the FBI’s Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) on Redstone Arsenal. TEDAC coordinates the efforts of the entire government, from law enforcement to intelligence to military, to gather and share forensic data from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. TEDAC has received more than 100,000 IED submissions from more than 50 countries. Team members analyze these devices, gathering information to help prevent future terrorist attacks. The FBI has plans for continued growth on Redstone.

Gov. Ivey’s team then moved to Science and Engineering Services, where workers manufacture, repair and refurbish military helicopters from the U.S. and foreign countries. SES employees met with the governor to explain the specialized work they do on several types of helicopters, including Blackhawks, Chinooks, Cobras and Apaches. Their work also includes ground combat support, research and development, engineering, logistics and training.

Gov. Ivey’s final stop on her tour was at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber for a lunch and working session with local business leaders on how to continue to help our city grow.